Union govt expresses concern over Mid Day Meal scheme in schools

Bhubaneswar: The union government has expressed its concern on the Odisha government for failing to send a detailed data as to how many children are receiving the benefits under Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme in schools.

Sources said nearly 78 percent schools are not providing the daily data about the beneficiaries while all the schools are asked to upload the detailed data on a daily basis.

An Automated Monitoring System has been launched in the state under the MDM to upload the data.

Out of 62,784 schools in the state, which are providing mid-day-meal, only 2253 schools are sending daily data.

Under the MDM scheme, while a total of 69,152 Kitchens have been sanctioned by the state, only 37,544 kitchens have been constructed and 31, 608 Kitchens are in progress, said sources.

LPG fuel is used in 14,737 kitchens and the remaining 48,508 kitchens are using firewood. The Human Resources Development Ministry has urged the state to provide LPG connections to all kitchens in schools.

Challenges in implementation of Mid Day Meal Scheme in Odisha

14737 (23%) schools using LPG, rest 48047 (77%) schools using firewood as fuel.  Only 54% kitchen-cum-stores constructed. 32130 (46%) Kitchen-cum-stores yet to be completed.

There is no change in the progress of construction during 2015-16 as compared to 2014-15.

18140 Cook-Cum-Helpers not engaged against the approval up to 2nd QTR 2016-17.